More Knowledge with Fewer Animals

About this programme

More Knowledge with Fewer Animals

The relationship between humans and animals is ambivalent. We have a strong bond with animals, yet at the same time we exploit them to our own benefit. This inherent contradiction is the basis for the debate in society on the use of animals, including in medical research. With its More Knowledge with Fewer Animals programme (MKMD) ZonMw promotes innovations that can help address scientific issues without the use of animal testing.

The programme aims to develop new innovations free of animal testing and to encourage the use of existing innovations that do not use animal testing. The results of the projects funded under MKMD will also help with the development of new methods or models of safety and risk assessment. The ultimate aim is better and more relevant health and healthcare research for humans.

Commissioning organisation

ZonMw is administering MKMD on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, working in collaboration with a number of other parties, including the Dutch Society for Replacement of Animal Testing, the Life Science and Health Top Sector, civic partners such as medical research charities and their umbrella organisation SGF.

Non-animal Testing Innovation Transition

ZonMw is one of the partners in the national Non-animal Testing Innovation Transition (TPI) initiative. TPI’s ambition is for the Netherlands to lead the field in the international transition to non-animal testing innovation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality manages the TPI process, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. There are currently several ongoing initiatives designed to help achieve the objectives of TPI. One of them is the MKMD programme.

Modules

The programme consists of several modules. Each module has its own goals, terms and conditions, potential partners and calls for proposals. If you would like to know more about the modules, please go to Modules.